On Thursday's Morning Focus with John Cooke
New figures show family doctors are split on support for free GP care for the under sixes, with the scheme due to go live in less than three weeks. 68% of Clare doctors have signed up for the scheme, a rate that is significantly higher than the national average. The HSE says 53%, or 1,274 of the 2,413 GPs who hold medical card contracts, have signed up. Dr. Conor McGee Scarriff GP is one GP that has not yet signed up to the scheme and shared his views as to why with John Cooke. The majority of doctors, however, are supporting the scheme, including Dr. Tony Cox Ennis Based GP who joined us in studio, he believes it's good that patients can access care.
The people of North Clare are being urged to have their say on a solution to long running traffic problems at one of the country's busiest tourist routes today. Plans to alleviate congestion at Blakes Corner in Ennistymon were discussed at a non-statutory public consultation event in the Falls Hotel last evening. 3 shortlisted options all involving the construction of the inner relief road and the bridge were presented. These all result in the knocking of three buildings including O'Connor's Old Post Office. Fergal O Connor of the old Post Office Ennistymon, where his brother resides shared his thoughts with us following the meeting last evening.
Sheena Clancy of West Clare Flowers Ennistymon also gave us her take on the public meeting, where the three preferred options on display all involved the deconstruction of her home and business. Sheena is urging people to make submissions in an effort to have the Council find an alternative solution.
As talks continue around plans for a crematorium in the West of Ireland, Well known musician and Clare FM West Wind Presenter Joan Hanrahan joined us in studio to share her family's experience of cremation following the passing of her beloved father John Hanrahan. The travelling to Dublin for her father's cremation following the funeral mass in Lissycasey is something Joan says added extra and unwanted stress for her and her sisters. She spoke to John Cooke
Ireland's best known astronomer, David Moore explores the universe – an Irish take on all things Astronomy as he discusses Blackholes to outer Space craters named after Lisdoonvarna! He spoke to us ahead of Astronomy Ireland's talk in Glòr tonight, a fun, whistle-stop tour of everything in existence, 8PM tonight Glor, tickets €15 www.glor.ie
World Renowned Musician Sharon Shannon spoke to John Cooke ahead of her appearance at the Doolin Folk Festival this weekend. We heard a couple of tracks from Sharon and friends, Jim Murray, Alan Connor and Sean Regan – a taste of what people can expect to hear in Doolin on Friday night! Sharon also acknowledged Motor Neuron Disease Awareness Month, this month following the passing of her mother from the disease last year – More info on Doolin Folk Fest at http://www.doolinfolkfestival.com
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